Markhanna Wright

Markhanna Wright, Sr., age 91, of Chance, Maryland, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury, Maryland. Born on August 19, 1934, to the late Nudie Wright Handy and Wainwright Teagle, he was raised in the home of his maternal grandparents, Rufus Hayes and Emma Wright, alongside several uncles who were like brothers to him. He received his education in the Somerset County Public School System and was brought up in the Christian faith at St. Charles United Methodist Church in Chance.

In 1957, Mark joined the United States Army and served in the Medical Division before receiving an honorable discharge. Upon returning to Chance, he worked as a waterman, oyster shucker, and highway construction worker, and held positions at Campbell Soup and Green Giant. He later retired from Somerset County after 33 faithful years as a Scale House Attendant at the County Landfill, where his strong work ethic and dedication were widely respected.

Mark was a compassionate, kind-hearted, loving, and peaceful man with an easy-going spirit. He cherished his family and friendships above all, enjoyed spending time outdoors in the spring and summer, and found joy in the company of his dogs and cats. He loved collecting copper, watching old Westerns, listening to country music, cooking and eating seafood and wild game, and sharing long conversations filled with stories of family history, ancestors, and old times.

He is survived by his daughters, Carmella Scott (Cornell), Lolita Wright, and Hope Moore (Henderson); son, Gregory Wallace; sister, Jeanette Fontaine Cottman; brother-in-law, Roland Bivens (Muriel); sisters-in-law, Dawn Handy, Sheila Young, and Carrie Fontaine; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Serena Bivens Wright; his parents; son, Mark Hanna Wright, Jr.; daughter, Terry Weeks; brothers, Howard Shelley Handy, Wayne Young, Sr., and Marcus James Fontaine, Sr.; uncles, Vincent, Allen, and Rufus Wright; and special cousins, Laverne, Beverly, and Orville Wright.

His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.